Overview
Maliau Basin is one of the last frontiers. It encompasses 390 km of pristine forest with many large areas still remaining to be explored and documented. It is one of the world's most biodiverse conservation areas ideal for research and education. It also has a virtually self-contained ecosystem.
Maliau is also the perfect place for adventure trekking, bird watching, mammal spotting and nature photography. It has over 70 km of marked trails, spotted with various campsites for visitors. It claims to have more waterfalls than anywhere else in Malaysia and is famous for the jaw dropping 'Maliau Falls' a powerful 7 tier waterfall.
Dates & Bookings
Itinerary
Day 1:
Depart your chosen pick up point at 7am and travel for approximately 2hrs to Keningau Town through Crocker Range; enjoy the scenic mountainous countryside view.
Expect to arrive at Keningau town at 9am, visit local coffee shop for a drink. Change vehicle and continue your journey to the Maliau Basin. Arrive at H.Q (Maliau Basin Studies Center) at approximately 1.30pm. Register and check-in. A Light lunch will be serve on arrival. After short drive to Agathis Camp on the edge of the core conservation area, settle in, explore and swim. You will visit the sky-bridge enroute if it's operational.
After dinner explore the jungle on foot or using the 4wd in search of any nocturnal activity. (L & D)
Day 2:
Morning rainforest alarm wake up at 7am for beakfast. After a briefing by the ranger start the 7km trek to Nepenthes Camp (Also known as Camel Trophy Camp) is about a 5-6 hours trek over the rim of the basin, the first 2 hours uphill trek is the challenging part of this adventure journey. Simple packed lunch along the trails. Look out for orchids and pitcher plants and if there has been rain some astonishing fungi!
Expect to arrive at Nepenthes Camp at approximately 1.30pm. Free time around the simple camp or if you are fit enough for another trek, continue to the Takop Akop waterfall which is about 2.5km away from the camp or the Giluk waterfall which is a closer journey. You can also visit the both if there is time.
2000hrs Dinner / Sleep. (B, L & D)
Day 3:
Breakfast at 7am. Visit the 33m high Observation Tower, enjoy the majestic view and birding from the tower, with luck you'll get to witness the gibbons and hornbills in this stunning part of Sabah
At 8.30am Pack up your gear and depart to Ginseng Camp via Maliau Waterfalls (12.5km: 5-6hrs). Main bags and gear will be left at junction whilst the steep trail to and from the outstanding falls is tackled. En-route pass through the specialist Kerangus forest, although nutrient poor, these soils produce ideal growing conditions for carnivorous pitcher plants and there are some wonderful species to be seen close to the trail. Arrive at Ginseng Camp mid afternoon. Drop your bags and visit the twin Ginseng Falls.
After dinner you'll probably wish to rest and retire to the hammocks. If your legs are still working then a short night walk is possible.(B, L & D)
Day 4:
After breakfast depart back to Agathis camp(9km: 5-6hrs). Arrive at about 1pm. After lunch continue to the studies centre. Overnight here. (B, L & D)
Day 5:
Depart after breakfast and transfer to Kota Kinabalu or your chosen destination. (B)
Photos
